New Mexico State University's College of Business will honor distinguished alumni, corporate partners and community contributors whose careers reflect outstanding achievement, service and lasting impact at the 2025 Hall of Fame banquet.
This year's event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. Each year, the College of Business recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and who credit NMSU as a foundation for their success.
"The Hall of Fame banquet dinner is one of my favorite nights of the year," said Bryan Ashenbaum, dean of the College of Business. "We gather to honor our fantastic alumni and their lifetime achievements. This year's awardees have given their time, talent and treasure toward enriching the education of our students, and we are thrilled to be able to say, 'thank you' in person."
The 2025 Hall of Fame Award recipients include Raquel Bone and Roy King.
Bone ('91, ' 93) earned her bachelor's degrees in business administration and finance, with a minor in Spanish, along with an MBA from NMSU. She has built a 25-year career in financial services, holding leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase and now serving as market managing director for PNC Bank's Institutional Asset Management division in California. Beyond her professional success, Bone has remained a steadfast supporter of NMSU, endowing a business scholarship, funding Bloomberg Terminals, supporting NMSU's Black Programs, and helping the PRIDE of New Mexico marching band purchase new uniforms.
"Receiving the Hall of Fame award is truly humbling," Bone said. "It is a testament to the valuable lessons I've learned and the support I received along my journey. I feel grateful to be recognized, and I hope to honor this award by continuing to contribute positively to my community and the students of NMSU."
Bone also reflected on her career path and the role NMSU played. "I've had the privilege of working for the largest financial institution in the country on projects impacting marginalized communities, with incredibly bright and giving individuals who helped me grow both professionally and personally. Each success I've experienced reflects the collaborative efforts of my family, mentors, colleagues and friends who believed in me along the way. NMSU's College of Business gave me a strong foundation and access to opportunities like co-op employment with Fortune 500 companies, which opened doors I could never have imagined."
King ('78) built his 40-year career in the oil and gas industry, primarily with Royal Dutch Shell. His leadership roles spanned international finance, mergers and acquisitions, and global business development, where he oversaw projects that added billions to Shell's bottom line and guided large-scale deals in Europe, Africa and North America. After retiring, he has continued to consult in business development and remains active in supporting NMSU through the Business Advisory Council and his involvement with Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity.
"Recognition is always a good thing," King said. "The NMSU College of Business has numerous accomplished graduates, and I am honored to be considered in such good company. My time at NMSU gave me a strong education, but also leadership opportunities through Phi Kappa Tau and athletics, which prepared me for a very rewarding career."
Reflecting on his time at NMSU, King added, "The College of Business provided a solid foundation, not just academically but also through leadership and extracurricular opportunities. The skills, relationships and experiences I gained as an Aggie were instrumental in navigating complex international projects and building a career that has spanned decades. I am grateful for the guidance and network that NMSU fostered – it truly made a difference in my professional journey."
In addition to the Hall of Fame honorees, the College of Business will present the 2025 Corporate Traders Award to GECU Federal Credit Union.
GECU has been a strong partner of the College of Business, providing scholarships, internships and financial literacy programs across the Borderplex region. Most recently, the GECU Foundation committed $250,000 to the Center for Student Professional Development, supporting students as they build professional skills, prepare for interviews and gain real-world experience. This includes the spring Student Professional Development Seminar, which GECU will sponsor through 2029.
"We are incredibly honored to receive this distinguished award from the NMSU College of Business," said Crystal Long, president and CEO of GECU. "This recognition reflects our shared mission of education and the belief that it has the power to positively transform students' lives. We are deeply grateful to NMSU for the opportunity to contribute, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide opportunity for our future leaders."
Both Bone and King also shared words of encouragement for current and future Aggies.
"To current and prospective students, I encourage you to make the most of your time at NMSU," Bone said. "Embrace challenges, ask questions and engage with your professors and peers. The connections you form and the experiences you gain can truly shape your future."
"Be curious," King said. "Trust your analytical skills and look for opportunities where your effort can make a real difference. NMSU provides the foundation, but it's your drive and willingness to grow that will carry you forward."
To RSVP or purchase tickets, contact Denise Tafoya at 575-646-5572 or
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-college-of-business-to-celebrate-alumni--community-partners-at-2025-hall-of-fame/s/a219c398-515d-4dd1-b12e-3b27cb6bdabc
